Composer

:

Franz Liszt

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Keyboard

Compose Date

:

before 1838

Publication Date

:

1838

Average_duration

:

4:54

Franz Liszt's "Erlkönig (I) (after Schubert, D. 328d), S. 557a" is a solo piano piece that was composed in 1849. It is based on the famous lied "Erlkönig" by Franz Schubert, which tells the story of a father and his son who are riding through the forest at night and are pursued by the Erlking, a supernatural being who tries to lure the boy away. The piece is divided into four movements, each of which represents a different character in the story. The first movement, "The Father," is a slow and mournful introduction that sets the scene for the rest of the piece. The second movement, "The Son," is a fast and frenzied section that represents the boy's fear and panic as he is pursued by the Erlking. The third movement, "The Erlking," is a dark and ominous section that represents the supernatural being's power and malevolence. The final movement, "The Ride to Death," is a frantic and intense section that represents the boy's final struggle against the Erlking and his eventual death. One of the most striking characteristics of Liszt's "Erlkönig" is its virtuosic piano writing. The piece is incredibly difficult to play, with fast and complex runs, arpeggios, and chords that require a high level of technical skill. Additionally, Liszt's use of harmony and tonality is highly innovative, with sudden shifts in key and unexpected chord progressions that create a sense of tension and unease. Overall, Liszt's "Erlkönig" is a masterful reimagining of Schubert's original lied, showcasing the composer's virtuosity and innovative approach to piano writing. Its intense and dramatic character make it a popular choice for pianists and audiences alike.

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